Fabrizio Romano shares big update on Chelsea’s interest in Nico Williams

Chelsea’s summer transfer window is heating up fast, and Fabrizio Romano has now delivered a major update concerning one of their most high-profile targets: Nico Williams. The Athletic Bilbao winger has been on Chelsea’s radar for months, and Romano confirms that the Blues remain keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge — although the road to signing him won’t be straightforward.

Williams, who is also attracting strong interest from Arsenal, is currently “very comfortable” at Athletic Club. Romano revealed during a segment on DAZN Spain that despite Premier League interest, the Spanish international is not in any rush to leave his boyhood club.

Still, Chelsea’s intentions are clear. Sources indicate that Enzo Maresca, recently appointed as head coach, wants to reshape his attack with five dynamic wingers in his squad. Williams is viewed as an ideal profile to fill one of those roles thanks to his explosive pace, creativity, and eye for goal.

The 22-year-old had an outstanding campaign last season, registering 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions. His release clause is believed to be in the region of €58 million, a fee Chelsea are willing to consider. However, there’s one major stumbling block: wages. Williams is reportedly demanding up to £400,000 per week to make the switch to the Premier League — a figure that could push Chelsea to reconsider their financial structure.

Despite that, Chelsea remain undeterred. The club is expected to be aggressive in the market, and with Liam Delap already through the door, Williams could be the next major piece of Maresca’s project.

Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Noni Madueke, while Jadon Sancho has departed after his loan spell ended and a permanent agreement failed to materialize. These moves create space in the squad and on the wage bill, potentially paving the way for a marquee addition like Williams.

Meanwhile, another winger is close to joining. Chelsea are in advanced talks with Borussia Dortmund over a deal for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, a highly-rated English talent who scored 12 goals last season. Negotiations for the 20-year-old are reportedly going well, with a proposed fee around £30 million plus add-ons.

The club hopes to finalise Gittens’ transfer before the FIFA Club World Cup, and Maresca sees him as a long-term solution on the wing. If both Gittens and Williams arrive, it could reshape Chelsea’s flank-based attack and add youthful energy alongside experienced options like Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk.

Enzo Maresca’s vision is clearly beginning to take form. By pursuing both Williams and Gittens, Chelsea are signalling that they plan to compete at the top level again — not just by signing players for depth, but by acquiring stars who can be decisive in tight games.

Though Williams is “comfortable” in Spain, Chelsea are betting on the pull of the Premier League and their long-term project to convince the Spaniard to move. Athletic Bilbao are pushing to renew his contract, but if talks stall, Chelsea may swoop in with a lucrative package to tempt both player and club.

Chelsea’s transfer strategy this summer is deliberate. The club no longer seems interested in haphazard spending but rather a structured, profile-based recruitment plan. Young, technical players like Williams and Gittens fit that mould — they’re talented, have high resale value, and suit Maresca’s possession-heavy tactics.

Still, the Premier League is a different challenge, and Williams’ adaptation would be watched closely. Some pundits warn about the risk of overpaying for potential, but Chelsea’s recruitment team appears confident that both he and Gittens can thrive under Maresca’s tutelage.

This isn’t just a story about names — it’s about a rebuild in motion. Chelsea’s new identity is forming, and with key exits expected this summer, space is opening up for a bold new generation.

Romano’s update has now turned all eyes to Stamford Bridge. Will Chelsea get their dream winger? Or will wages and loyalty to Bilbao keep Nico Williams in Spain a while longer?

One thing is certain: the summer transfer window is only just beginning, and Chelsea’s business is far from done.